At Melbourne Girls Grammar’s Early Learning Centre (ELC), play isn’t a break from learning — it is learning. Grounded in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our approach honours each child as capable, curious and full of potential.
Margaret Sellar, Head of Early Learning explains that when children play, they are doing far more than having fun — they are experimenting, discovering, imagining, negotiating and building the skills they’ll use for life. “Children learn best when they are actively engaged exploring their environment,” she says. Our ELC’s play-based curriculum is intentional, reflective and deeply responsive to each child’s interests.
Sarah Gill, Executive Director of Junior Years and Early Learning agrees that the idea that play and teaching are separate is outdated. She explains that our educators skilfully integrate intentional teaching into open-ended play, creating a learning environment where each experience is purposeful and planned to support development across all learning areas.
“Educators take an active role when planning programs, setting up experiences, responding to children and scaffolding learning every day.” – Sarah Gill
In every learning studio and learning space around the ELC, literacy, numeracy and critical thinking are woven into the day in meaningful and age-appropriate ways. This could happen with children writing shopping lists for a make-believe café, exploring natural objects at the science table or drawing maps in the garden.
Inspired by Reggio Emilia principles, our physical environment is designed to be a teacher in its own right. Calm, neutral tones help children focus. Inviting spaces — complete with cosy corners, open shelving, natural materials and flexible furniture — create a sense of comfort and belonging. “The environment is the third teacher,” adds Margaret.
Outdoors, the learning continues. Our playground is divided into dedicated zones — including areas for sensory play, dramatic play, construction, literacy and gross motor activities. These areas are carefully curated on a rotating five-week cycle, with provocations planned to suit the girls’ interests and developmental stages. Our proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens also allows us to integrate nature play into the curriculum. These excursions encourage exploration, vocabulary development, and scientific inquiry as the girls interact with the natural world around them.
The benefits of play extend far beyond academics. Through play, children develop essential social and emotional skills, including empathy, self-regulation, resilience and collaboration. They learn to share ideas, listen to others, solve problems and take initiative.
“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein
Play also supports the development of thinking skills — including memory, asking questions and lateral thinking — all of which are vital for lifelong learning. The early years are critical for developing these skills, and our approach at MGGS ensures they are fostered through hands-on, meaningful experiences. Play promotes oral language as children engage with each other and experiment with language. The development of oral language underpins all aspects of learning and is vital to develop comprehension and understanding of the world around them.
At the ELC, children are not passive learners — they are partners in the educational journey. Our educators observe, reflect and intentionally extend learning opportunities based on each child’s needs and interests. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
“Learning is collaborative — between children, educators, and families,” explains Sarah Gill. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s learning, and our assessment is grounded in real-time observations, authentic documentation and ongoing dialogue.
We often say that the ideal play-rich environment for young children, looks like ours at the ELC. Whether the girls are engaged in investigations in the classroom, the Kitchen Garden, or the Botanic Gardens, every part of our program is designed to inspire wonder, spark imagination and build a foundation for lifelong learning. At Melbourne Girls Grammar, play is where it all begins — and where potential is uncovered every day.
Support our Early Learning Centre by contributing to our 2025 Annual Giving Appeal – Building Their Future Together. Through your tax-deductible donation, you are ensuring that future generations of Grammarians benefit from our legacy of excellence.
This year, we focus on our youngest students. Our ELC has always led the way for the education of our youngest Grammarians. Our programs within the learning studios and in the broader ELC environment provide the foundation of learning. Harnessing the joy inherent in play, a child’s curiosity, creativity, and imagination are ignited, fuelling an enduring passion for learning in the later stages of school and life.
Help us invigorate our learning spaces with a donation to the Merton Hall Foundation Building Fund.